Police, community and calendar briefs for March 30, 2013

Published: Friday, March 29, 2013 at 10:00 p.m.

Last Modified: Friday, March 29, 2013 at 5:17 p.m.

Authorities say a group of children broke into a vacant home Thursday and did thousands of dollars in damage by destroying interior walls, mirrors and windows.

The four youngsters, ages 11 to 14, told Marion County Sheriff’s Office deputies they crawled in through a window of the home in the 2200 block of Southeast 68th Street and soon began breaking things inside, according to reports.

A neighbor said he heard loud banging coming from the home but thought it was due to repairs. He eventually decided to check out the noise and as he walked up to the house, a pole come flying out of a window. He saw the children leave the house and ride away on bicycles. The man followed the four and saw them enter a nearby yard, according to reports.

No charges were immediately filed, as officers were waiting to speak with the owner of the house, who could not be reached Thursday.

Herbicides at Blitchton farm reported stolen

Herbicides valued at hundreds of dollars were reported stolen Thursday from a barn in Blitchton.

Four gallons of atrazine and eight gallons of grazon were taken from the barn in the 13600 block of North U.S. 27. The chemicals are intended to control weeds in pastures and crops. Additionally, five gallons of clean water and two extension cords were also taken. The items were worth $849, according to Marion County Sheriff’s Office reports.

Anyone with information can call the Sheriff’s Office at 732-9111 or Crime Stoppers at 368-STOP.

Two teens caught after alleged burglary spree

Two teens who reportedly tried to go on a burglary spree Thursday didn’t get far after an alarm went off at one home and a resident shooed them away from another.

The two were caught by Marion County Sheriff’s Office deputies in the area of the burglaries in Marion Oaks.

Jaishun Paramore, 18, and a 17-year-old, who is not being identified because he is a minor, are accused of breaking into a home in the 3000 block of Southwest 130th Lane, where they reportedly took jewelry. Soon after, they are accused of trying to break into a home in the 13300 block of Southwest 33rd Court, where an alarm went off, causing the pair to run off, reports state.

The duo then went to a home in the 3700 block of Southwest 133rd Loop and rang the doorbell several times. A man inside said he saw one teen in his backyard and then heard someone trying to open his bedroom window from the outside. He grabbed a kitchen knife and pulled the blinds and saw the second teen.

The pair ran away and the man called 911. Officers were in the area responding to the earlier alarm and caught both young men.

The younger teen admitted to the three incidents. Paramore did not talk to officers, according to reports.

Paramore was booked into the Marion County Jail on three counts of burglary and one count of grand theft. He was released Friday after posting an $8,000 bond. The 17-year-old was charged with at least one count of burglary and was being held at Marion County Juvenile Detention.

COMMUNITY

Hospitals issue call for more blood donations

Local hospitals have begun to feel the impact of spring break on the community’s blood supply and anticipate even lower levels throughout the holiday weekend. Blood donations are sought and can be made at LifeSouth, 1607 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala, or any blood drive location.

Donors must be 17 or older, or 16 with parental permission, weigh a minimum of 110 pounds and be in good health. A photo ID is required.

For more information, call 888-795-2707 or visit www.lifesouth.org.

County b-ball program seeks coaches, players

Marion County Parks and Recreation invites youth ages 7-16 and volunteer coaches to participate in its upcoming Youth Basketball Program starting April 6 at the historic Reddick Gymnasium, 4595 W. County Road 316, Reddick. The program will include weekday practices and Saturday games.

A $15 fee per child is required and includes a game T-shirt.

Registration for players is from 9 a.m. to noon today at the gym. Participants also can register online at www.marioncountyfl.org/parks.htm or in person at the Marion County Parks and Recreation office, 111 SE 25th Ave., Ocala.

Interested volunteer coaches can stop by the office or call 671-8560.

Volunteer coaches must pass a background check.

Yoho, other ‘stars’ to take part in benefit run

The Helping Hands Foundation’s upcoming 5K, 1-mile walk and kid’s run, set to begin at 8 a.m. April 20 at the Baseline Greenway Trailhead, will have some “star” power.

Organizers said the nation’s fastest 10-year-old in 5K for 2012 will run, as will the fastest runner in the county and some of the county’s elite high school runners. Also running will be the Francis Marion Military Academy’s 2013 national championship orienteering team, Congressman Ted Yoho, a Boston Marathon competitor and a team put together by boxing champion Danny Santiago.

All the proceeds will help local men, women and children in need.

For more information or to register, go to www.helpinghandsocala.org or call Holly Miley at 426-3253.

Belleview council wants photos for competition

The Belleview Economic Development Council has announced its “What is your Belleview?” photo contest.

The competition invites participants to capture a favorite Belleview locale, favorite moment in Belleview or illustrate why you call Belleview home. It is open to residents, visitors, students, educators, professional and non-professional photographers.

Entries will be judged on overall impact, creativity, memorable content, clear message and public rating.

Each photo must include a brief description, along with one word that best describes the photograph.

After a panel of Belleview EDC judges select finalists, the public will determine the winners through online voting via the EDC Facebook page at www.Facebook.com/BelleviewEDC.

The grand prize is a $100 Visa gift card. First and second runners up will receive a $50 Visa gift card.

The deadline for entries is May 1.

For more information, call 325-1293 or visit www.facebook.com/BelleviewEDC.

Mortgage assistance available for residents

The Ocala Housing Authority has financial assistance available to homeowners who qualify through the Mortgage Foreclosure Prevention Assistance Program, which provides financial and housing counseling services and grant funded assistance.

<p class="bold allcaps">POLICE BEAT</p>
<p><b>Children accused of vandalizing house</b></p><p>Authorities say a group of children broke into a vacant home Thursday and did thousands of dollars in damage by destroying interior walls, mirrors and windows.</p><p>The four youngsters, ages 11 to 14, told Marion County Sheriff's Office deputies they crawled in through a window of the home in the 2200 block of Southeast 68th Street and soon began breaking things inside, according to reports.</p><p>Deputies found large portions of drywall ripped out, holes punched into the ceiling, toilet fixtures and bathroom mirrors broken, light fixtures broken and several windows broken out. Damages were estimated at $10,000, reports state.</p><p>A neighbor said he heard loud banging coming from the home but thought it was due to repairs. He eventually decided to check out the noise and as he walked up to the house, a pole come flying out of a window. He saw the children leave the house and ride away on bicycles. The man followed the four and saw them enter a nearby yard, according to reports.</p><p>No charges were immediately filed, as officers were waiting to speak with the owner of the house, who could not be reached Thursday.</p><p><b>Herbicides at Blitchton farm reported stolen</b></p><p>Herbicides valued at hundreds of dollars were reported stolen Thursday from a barn in Blitchton.</p><p>Four gallons of atrazine and eight gallons of grazon were taken from the barn in the 13600 block of North U.S. 27. The chemicals are intended to control weeds in pastures and crops. Additionally, five gallons of clean water and two extension cords were also taken. The items were worth $849, according to Marion County Sheriff's Office reports.</p><p>Anyone with information can call the Sheriff's Office at 732-9111 or Crime Stoppers at 368-STOP.</p><p><b>Two teens caught after alleged burglary spree</b></p><p>Two teens who reportedly tried to go on a burglary spree Thursday didn't get far after an alarm went off at one home and a resident shooed them away from another.</p><p>The two were caught by Marion County Sheriff's Office deputies in the area of the burglaries in Marion Oaks.</p><p>Jaishun Paramore, 18, and a 17-year-old, who is not being identified because he is a minor, are accused of breaking into a home in the 3000 block of Southwest 130th Lane, where they reportedly took jewelry. Soon after, they are accused of trying to break into a home in the 13300 block of Southwest 33rd Court, where an alarm went off, causing the pair to run off, reports state.</p><p>The duo then went to a home in the 3700 block of Southwest 133rd Loop and rang the doorbell several times. A man inside said he saw one teen in his backyard and then heard someone trying to open his bedroom window from the outside. He grabbed a kitchen knife and pulled the blinds and saw the second teen.</p><p>The pair ran away and the man called 911. Officers were in the area responding to the earlier alarm and caught both young men.</p><p>The younger teen admitted to the three incidents. Paramore did not talk to officers, according to reports.</p><p>Paramore was booked into the Marion County Jail on three counts of burglary and one count of grand theft. He was released Friday after posting an $8,000 bond. The 17-year-old was charged with at least one count of burglary and was being held at Marion County Juvenile Detention.</p><h3>COMMUNITY</h3>
<p><b>Hospitals issue call for more blood donations</b></p><p>Local hospitals have begun to feel the impact of spring break on the community's blood supply and anticipate even lower levels throughout the holiday weekend. Blood donations are sought and can be made at LifeSouth, 1607 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala, or any blood drive location.</p><p>Donors must be 17 or older, or 16 with parental permission, weigh a minimum of 110 pounds and be in good health. A photo ID is required.</p><p>For more information, call 888-795-2707 or visit www.lifesouth.org.</p><p><b>County b-ball program seeks coaches, players</b></p><p>Marion County Parks and Recreation invites youth ages 7-16 and volunteer coaches to participate in its upcoming Youth Basketball Program starting April 6 at the historic Reddick Gymnasium, 4595 W. County Road 316, Reddick. The program will include weekday practices and Saturday games.</p><p>A $15 fee per child is required and includes a game T-shirt.</p><p>Registration for players is from 9 a.m. to noon today at the gym. Participants also can register online at www.marioncountyfl.org/parks.htm or in person at the Marion County Parks and Recreation office, 111 SE 25th Ave., Ocala.</p><p>Interested volunteer coaches can stop by the office or call 671-8560.</p><p>Volunteer coaches must pass a background check.</p><p><b>Yoho, other 'stars' to take part in benefit run</b></p><p>The Helping Hands Foundation's upcoming 5K, 1-mile walk and kid's run, set to begin at 8 a.m. April 20 at the Baseline Greenway Trailhead, will have some “star” power.</p><p>Organizers said the nation's fastest 10-year-old in 5K for 2012 will run, as will the fastest runner in the county and some of the county's elite high school runners. Also running will be the Francis Marion Military Academy's 2013 national championship orienteering team, Congressman Ted Yoho, a Boston Marathon competitor and a team put together by boxing champion Danny Santiago.</p><p>All the proceeds will help local men, women and children in need.</p><p>For more information or to register, go to www.helpinghandsocala.org or call Holly Miley at 426-3253.</p><p><b>Belleview council wants photos for competition</b></p><p>The Belleview Economic Development Council has announced its “What is your Belleview?” photo contest.</p><p>The competition invites participants to capture a favorite Belleview locale, favorite moment in Belleview or illustrate why you call Belleview home. It is open to residents, visitors, students, educators, professional and non-professional photographers.</p><p>Entries will be judged on overall impact, creativity, memorable content, clear message and public rating.</p><p>Each photo must include a brief description, along with one word that best describes the photograph.</p><p>After a panel of Belleview EDC judges select finalists, the public will determine the winners through online voting via the EDC Facebook page at www.Facebook.com/BelleviewEDC.</p><p>The grand prize is a $100 Visa gift card. First and second runners up will receive a $50 Visa gift card.</p><p>The deadline for entries is May 1.</p><p>For more information, call 325-1293 or visit www.facebook.com/BelleviewEDC.</p><p><b>Mortgage assistance available for residents</b></p><p>The Ocala Housing Authority has financial assistance available to homeowners who qualify through the Mortgage Foreclosure Prevention Assistance Program, which provides financial and housing counseling services and grant funded assistance.</p><p>For more information, call 369-2235 or 369-2636.</p><h3>CALENDAR</h3>
<p><b>TODAY</b></p><p>EGG HUNTS</p><p>*PAAS Eggstravaganza, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Tuscawilla Park, 829 NE Sanchez Ave., Ocala. (368-5517 or recreationandparks.ocalafl.org)</p><p>* Noon to 2 p.m. Saturday, St. John Lutheran Church, 10495 Sunset Harbor Road, Summerfield. (288-2041)</p><p>* Visit Easter Bunny's country cousin, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Uncle Donald's Farm, 2713 Griffin Ave., Lady Lake. Egg hunt at 1 p.m. $9.25. (753-2882)</p><p>* 7:45 p.m. Saturday, Ocala Drive-In, 4850 S Pine Ave, Ocala. ( 629-1325)</p><p> </p><p>SPRING FESTIVAL: Fallen Oak Equine Rescue and Rehabilitation Spring Festival fundraiser, 11 a.m. Saturday, Fallen Oak Plantation, 3230 NE 55th Ave. Silver Springs. $10, includes egg hunts, hay rides and more. (286.3754 or fallenoakequinerescue@hotmail.com)</p><p> </p><p>OCALA SINGLES DANCE: 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Ocala Scottish Rite, 3632 NE Seventh St., Ocala. $9. Refreshments provided. (622-3171)</p><p> </p><p>JOHN CONLEE: Performances at 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Orange Blossom Opry, 13939 SE State Road 42, Weirsdale. (821-1201 or www.obopry.com)</p><p> </p><p>TROOP APPRECIATION: Vietnam Troop Appreciation Day, 1 to 6 p.m. Saturday at Amvets Post 19, 13131 E. County Road 316 Fort McCoy. Live music, karaoke, food and more. (622-4449)</p><p> </p><p>MASTER GARDENERS: Answers to gardening questions, 10 a.m.to 1 p.m. Saturday, Walmart stores at 17961 S. U.S. 441, Summerfield; 2600 SW 19th Ave. Road, Ocala; 4980 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala; 9570 State Road 200, Ocala; and 1012 N. Williams St., Dunnellon. (671-8400)</p><p> </p><p>YARD SALE: Marion Landing Community, 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, Lifestyle Center parking lot, 8601 SW 65th Ave. Road, Ocala. (237-7152)</p><p> </p><p>PROM SPECTACULAR: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Macy's Paddock Mall, 3001 SW College Road, Ocala. (873-5441)</p><p> </p><p>CAR AND BIKE RUN: 10 a.m. Saturday, Woods and Lakes Clubhouse, 5970 SE 158th Court, Ocklawaha. (625-6033)</p><p> </p><p>CLASSIC CRUISE-IN: 6 p.m. Saturday, Brewster's Ice Cream, 2707 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala. (615-1624)</p><p> </p><p>COMMUNITY EXPO Belleview/South Marion Chamber of Commerce Community Expo and Career Fair, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, City Hall, 5343 SE Abshier Blvd Belleview.(245-2178)</p><p> </p><p>SPRING KICK OFF: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Crone's Cradle Conserve, 6411 NE 217 Place, Citra. Workshops, movie, plants and more. (595-3377)</p><p> </p><p>OPEN HOUSE: Model Railroad Museum, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, 1247 NE Third St., Ocala. Free. (401-0747 or www.ocalamodelrailroaders.com)</p><p> </p><p><b>SUNDAY</b></p><p>CANDY DROPS: Annual helicopter candy drops, 9 and 11 a.m. Sunday, Spirit Life Church, 6405 S. Pine Ave., Ocala. (622-7770)</p><p> </p><p>DRAMA: “Souvenir: A Fantasia on the life of Florence Foster Jenkins,” 3 p.m. Sunday, Insomniac Theater, 1 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala. $12. (897-0477 or www.insomniactheatre.com)</p><p> </p><p>COMMUNITY SERVICE: Community Easter sunrise service, 6:30 a.m. Sunday, McPherson County Government Complex 503 SE 25th Ave., Ocala.</p><p> </p><p><i>To submit information for this list, send an e-mail to calendar@starbanner.com or visit www.ocala.com, scroll down and click on EVENTS CALENDAR on the right.</i></p>